Rule 1: Defense gets a microphone helmet- Similar to the quarterback, the defense can now use a microphone helmet. The problem is, despite all of the lame sportscaster “he’s the quarterback of the defense” references, there really isn’t a comparable position on defense. The team only gets to use one helmet, so they’ll have to find a way to implement this so that someone that’s on the field almost every snap gets the lucky earpiece. Don’t be surprised if you still see coaches using hand signals come Sundays until they get this concept just right.

Rule 2: No more “forceout” rule- It used to be if a receiver caught a pass in the air and WOULD have gotten 2 feet in bounds if not pushed out by a defender, the play would be ruled a reception. Apparently this was too much stress for officials to try to make an actual judgment, so now you either get 2 feet in or it’s incomplete. Just as a technicality, this doesn’t count if the receiver is literally carried out of bounds (good thing they caught that). Look for corners to use the sideline all day long and just go for the big shove if they’re beat.

Rule 3: Defer the coin toss- Hasn’t Pop Warner football had this since 1953? Hard to believe it took the NFL until 2008, but coaches can finally choose to defer if they win the coin toss and want the ball in the second half.

Rule 4: Instant Replay on field goals- From now on if two officials that are charged with nothing else but watching to see if a ball is kicked through the uprights or not can’t get the call right, there’s instant replay. These calls are probably blown more frequently than fans realize; this will be used.

Rule 5: Goodbye to the 5-yard Incidental Facemask- A quick grab of the facemask is no longer a punishable offense. Grab hold and try to unscrew his noggin, it’s still 15 yards.